A Spark of Science

Where do you think you'd find the largest volcano in our solar system? Why is it still growing? Find out more about Olympus Mons and other volcanoes in space, from icy eruptors to fiery destructors.

Biodiversity, food chains and ecosystems - how are they linked and why are they so important to life on earth?

Dr Cecilia Medupin, senior lecturer in earth and environmental sciences at the University of Manchester, shares her ideas about the importance of positivity, passion and purpose when embarking on a life in science. First broadcast on 31/03/23

Trees can't talk in the same way we can. In fact, without the help of another organism, they wouldn’t be able to understand each other very well. So, who helps them pass on information? And why would they need to? First Broadcast on 24/03/2023

Emmanuel Zuza is a final year climate science PhD student at the Open University. Discover Emmanuel's journey into science as he talks all things academia, macadamia and dinosaurs! First Broadcast on 17/03/2023

To celebrate British science week we are joined by Colleen from Epilepsy Connections who speaks of her journey engaging with science. First Broadcast on 10/03/2023

Glasgow Science Centre is on a mission to create new place for biodiversity to thrive. One of these is our new floating wetlands, but what are they, and how do they work? First Broadcast on 03/03/2023

This week's guest is Jaime Toney, professor of environmental and climate science at the University of Glasgow, and leader of the GALLANT project. Jaime shares her experience of growing up in the USA and moving to Scotland to pursue her scientific career. First Broadcast on 24/02/2023

If you were to visit the sea floor, you would see little white flakes floating all around you as they gently fall to the bottom of the ocean. This is marine snow. But what is it and where does it come from? First Broadcast on 17/02/2023

In this excerpt from our Ignite Podcast, we are talking to Jonathan Shanklin from the British Antarctic Survey who tells the story of when his team discovered the hole in the Ozone layer. First Broadcast on 10/02/2023

You might have heard that Mars used to be covered in water. But why do we think that, and what do blueberries have to do with it? First Broadcast on 03/02/2023

Octopuses are amazing escape artists, they are smart, flexible and curious creatures. Here is the story and science behind Inky the octopus’s great escape from tank to ocean. First Broadcast on 27/01/2023

Our microbiome is the collection of 100 trillion microbes in our body. This is more than 12,000 times the number of people on our planet! But what do they do? First Broadcast on 20/02/2023

What are Exoplanets? When were they discovered? And how many are there? Lets explore our night sky in this weeks 'A Spark of Science'. First Broadcast on 13/01/2023

This week we are joined by Lesley from EMEC who discusses their amazing machines which harness the power of the ocean. First Broadcast on 06/01/2023

In this weeks 'A Spark of Science' we are joined by Materials Chemist Emily. Who tells us all about her work making Thermal Batteries. First broadcast on 30/12/2022

At this time of year some of us may have Christmas trees up in our homes, some which are artificially green and some which are real and remain green all year round. These are a species of tree called an evergreen.  But why do they remain ever green? First Broadcast on23/12/2022

Why are these frozen water droplets white? The answer might be a bit more complicated than you think. First Broadcast on 16/12/2022

What's made of paper, could stretch all the way to the moon and is thrown away at Christmas time? What do you think? First Broadcast on 09/12/2022

Did you know that octopuses punch fish? But why do they do it, that is the question? First Broadcast on 02/12/2022

Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to learn a new language? How did we all do it when we were babies?  First Broadcast on 25/11/2022

This week on 'A Spark of Science', we hear from Dr. Sian Henley, an ocean scientist based at the University of Edinburgh who specialises in the polar regions. First Broadcast on 18/11/2022

What do you think of when you hear seaweed? The ocean? Sushi? A bunch of slimy, smelly stuff you find at the beach? Well, you might be surprised to know that seaweed has some amazing and wonderful uses! First Broadcast on 11/11/2022

It can be frustrating if you misplace your favourite snack. Did it fall down the side of the sofa? Is it hidden under a cushion? Well, imagine what it would be like trying to find all the food you had stored for the winter! This is the challenge squirrels face each year.   First Broadcast on 04/11/2022

As humans, we use our senses to navigate the world. Navigating space however, is tricky without help, so scientists have developed some clever kit to do the job! First Broadcast on 28/10/2022